Barry Diller's Wild Story: The Most Coked-Up Film Set

In his recently published memoir "Who Knew," media mogul Barry Diller shares stories from his fascinating life, including some wild and entertaining anecdotes about the film industry. During a book tour at New York City's 92Y, moderator Anderson Cooper asked Diller to reveal the most coked-up film set he had ever experienced.

The Story Behind the Question

Anderson Cooper, known for his incisive questioning style, was determined to get to the bottom of Diller's story. He asked the question: "Barry, I have to ask you this: what was the most coked-up film set you've ever been on?" The audience at 92Y was abuzz with anticipation, knowing that Diller's answer would be both enlightening and entertaining.

Diller's Response

Without hesitation, Barry Diller replied, "The most coked-up film set I've ever been on was the set of 'American Gigolo'." This 1980 film starring Richard Gere as a high-end escort, was known for its dark and edgy tone. The cast and crew were no strangers to partying, but it's safe to say that Diller had some particularly wild stories to share.

The Story Behind "American Gigolo"

For those who may not be familiar with the film, "American Gigolo" was a drama directed by Paul Schrader and written by Roderick Usher. The movie follows the story of Julian Kaye (Gere), an escort who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery involving his boss, Jonathan Brandis (William Baldwin). While the film received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since become a cult classic.

Diller's Time on Set

According to Diller, the set of "American Gigolo" was notorious for its excesses. The actor and co-star, Lorraine Bracco, have both spoken about the intense partying that went down during filming. However, Diller's story takes it to a whole new level.

As Diller recounted, the cast and crew would often engage in all-night benders, with drink specials and open bars on set. At one point, he even claimed that Gere was so intoxicated during a scene that he ended up vomiting on set. Talk about method acting!

The Most Memorable Moment

One of Diller's most memorable stories from the "American Gigolo" set centers around an impromptu party hosted by Richard Gere himself. The actor had apparently brought out a full-on DJ setup, complete with flashing lights and thumping music.

As Diller recalled, the entire cast and crew ended up dancing on set until the wee hours of the morning. Even the usually stoic William Baldwin was seen busting a move or two under the strobe lights. It was truly a night to remember for those who were there.

Lessons Learned

While Barry Diller's story is undoubtedly entertaining, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the excesses of Hollywood's golden age. As someone who had the privilege of working on some of the most iconic films in history, Diller learned valuable lessons about the importance of maintaining a work-life balance.

"The most coked-up film set" anecdote from "Who Knew" serves as a reminder that even the most glamorous and creative industries can be plagued by the pitfalls of excess. However, it's also a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of Hollywood's wild side.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Barry Diller's story about the most coked-up film set he ever experienced on the set of "American Gigolo" is both captivating and cautionary. As we look back on the excesses of Hollywood's past, it serves as a reminder that even in the most glamorous industries, there are lessons to be learned about moderation and balance.

With his trademark wit and charm, Diller regales us with tales from the set of "American Gigolo," giving us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the most iconic films of all time.